Selfness and SolveyFem

Many women know their own bodies less well than they would like. That is not surprising: while boys and men can literally see their genitals, the largest part of the female anatomy is hidden or barely visible. It is time to change that. The better you know your own anatomy, the easier it becomes to recognize what is normal for you, and to talk about it, whether that is with your doctor or your partner.

The vulva: the external part

What most people call the 'vagina' is actually often the vulva. The vulva is the external part of your genitals: the area between the mons pubis, the groin, and the anus. The vagina itself is the internal canal that connects the vulva to the uterus, so you cannot see it from the outside.

The vulva is structured as follows:

• Mons pubis: the soft cushion above the pubic bone, which is usually covered with hair. The amount of hair varies from person to person and also changes with age.
• Outer labia (labia majora): two skin folds that contain fatty tissue and are covered with hair after puberty. Large, small, long, short, asymmetrical: it all occurs and it is all normal. They are also sexually sensitive and can swell slightly during arousal.
• Inner labia (labia minora): thinner, without fatty tissue, and the color can range from pink to brownish-black. They can protrude beyond the outer labia, be wrinkled or smooth, and change color during pregnancy or as one gets older. Again, there is a lot of variation here, and that is all normal.
• Vestibule: the area between the inner labia, surrounding the vaginal opening. The glands in this area produce moisture, especially during sexual arousal, and the urethra also opens here.
• Hymen: a thin rim of tissue at the entrance to the vagina. In children, this can partially cover the opening; in adults, often only small remnants are visible.

Just like with faces or breasts, there is no such thing as a 'standard' vulva. Shape, color, and size vary enormously from woman to woman, and that is exactly as it should be.

The vagina: the internal part

The vagina is the muscular canal that connects the vulva to the cervix. It is an elastic passage that can stretch, for example during sex or childbirth, and then returns to its original shape. The vaginal wall produces moisture that helps keep the area healthy and supple, and its composition changes throughout your cycle.

At the top of the vagina is the cervix, the passage to the uterus. This also feels different depending on which phase of your cycle you are in: firmer and lower when you are not fertile, softer and higher around ovulation.

The clitoris: so much more than you think

The clitoris is probably the most underestimated organ in the female body. Most people see the clitoris as the small, sensitive button at the top of the vulva, where the inner labia meet. That is correct, but it is only the tip of the iceberg.

The external part

The visible tip is called the glans clitoridis and is only a few millimeters in size. It is often hidden under a fold of skin, similar to the foreskin of a penis.

The internal part

The largest part of the clitoris is hidden inside the body. In total, the organ is about 8 to 10 centimeters long and consists of two "legs" and two bulbs of erectile tissue that extend along the vaginal wall, on either side of the vaginal opening. These structures fill with blood during arousal, exactly as happens with a penis.

This immediately explains why penetration leads to an orgasm more easily for some women than for others: the distance between the internal parts of the clitoris and the vaginal wall differs from person to person. In some, this tissue lies closer to the vaginal wall than in others, which means penetration can stimulate the clitoris more or less indirectly.

A few things you should know:

• The clitoris contains thousands of nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive spots on the body.
• It is the only human organ that exists exclusively to provide pleasure.
• Through sexual arousal, blood flows to the erectile tissue, causing the clitoris to swell and become more sensitive.

A bit of appreciation for the clitoris.

For an organ that plays such an important role in female pleasure, the clitoris has remained surprisingly invisible for a long time. That is precisely why we are delighted that it is receiving more attention today, not only in conversations about women's health and sexuality, but also in art and design.

Selfness does this in a particularly beautiful way. They design jewelry inspired by the clitoris, turning a part of the female body that has long been overlooked into something you can actually wear and celebrate. A small but powerful reminder that the female body deserves to be seen, understood, and appreciated.

Curious? Discover Selfness and their clitoris-inspired jewelry here

Getting to know your own body

Every vulva, vagina, and clitoris is different, just as faces or hands differ from person to person. By taking the time to look at your own body, for example with a hand mirror, you can really learn better what is normal for you. That way, you will notice more easily when something changes, and you will feel more confident talking about it, whether that is with a partner or a healthcare provider.